Nutritional Diseases

Nutritional Diseases Beriberi Relatively rare in the United States, Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 , also known as thiamine, in the diet. The disease involves peripheral neuritis – nerve degeneration – and myopathy – muscle disease, particularly affecting heart muscles. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of weight, fatigue, and heart failure. Beriberi is prevalent in eastern and southern Asia. Because many alcoholics fail to eat a balanced diet, it is sometimes associated with chronic …showed first 75 words of 682 total…

…showed last 75 words of 682 total…States. Treating the disorder is quick and easy, but without treatment scurvy can be life threatening. The lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the body weakens the walls of capillaries, causing the bleeding, anemia , and general decline in health associated with scurvy. Regularly eating fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C will prevent scurvy. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries such as strawberries and raspberries, raw cabbage, and potatoes are all rich in the vitamin.